USC Football Recruiting: Trojans Receive Verbal from 3-Star Defensive Tackle

In a somewhat curious recruiting move, Scout.com is reporting that the Trojans have received a verbal pledge from 3-star defensive tackle Pio Vatuvei from Patterson High School in Patterson, CA.

Though he has flown somewhat under the radar, Vatuvei has seen his stock rise fairly dramatically over the summer and when the Trojans offered, he didn't take long to decide that this was where he wanted to be.

Vatuvei, who at this writing is undersized at 6'2", 236 lbs., is quick and very athletic and it is apparent that the Trojans recruiting brain trust feels that he will add weight at the next level.

To be certain, the Trojans must feel Vatuvei is a diamond in the rough because, given the reduced amount of scholarships available, an offer to a 3-star (as rated by Scout.com) would be a head scratcher so early in the 2011 recruiting season.

It should be noted however, that the Trojans do need defensive line depth and perhaps they have ideas regarding his ability to play different positions.

With Vatuvei's verbal, the Trojans commitment for 2011 stands at 10, but at this early stage, recruiting is a very fluid process.

It should also be noted that this year, Vatuvei is the Trojans' first defensive line pledge, and although they have plenty of irons in recruiting fire, perhaps Ed Orgeron and the recruiting department felt an early pledge would at least provide some coverage at the position if no one else took the Trojans up on their offers.

Besides, who wants to argue with coach "O" when it comes to recruiting?

Not me.